Offline Application for Permanent Residency in Serbia: A Detailed Guide

Key Conditions for Obtaining Permanent Residency

The main requirement for applying for permanent residency (PMŽ) in Serbia is three years of continuous residence in the country based on a temporary residence permit (VNJ). It is important to understand that this period starts from the date of the very first temporary residence permit application, which can only be found in the 'uverenje o boravku' document.

There are strict rules regarding absence from the country. During the three-year period, the total number of days spent outside Serbia must not exceed 10 months, and a single absence cannot be longer than 6 months. Any interruption between temporary residence permits, even for a single day, resets the accumulated period.

To apply, the foreign passport must be valid both at the time of application and at the time of receiving the permanent residency decision. Documents can be submitted up to 60 days before the required three-year residency period is completed.

Special Cases and Exceptions to the Rules

Serbian legislation provides for a number of exceptions for different categories of applicants. For example, children under 18 can obtain permanent residency with their parents, even if they have lived in the country for less than three years, or immediately after obtaining a temporary residence permit if one of the parents already has permanent resident status.

For students with a temporary residence permit for study purposes, the residency period is calculated differently: one day of stay is counted as half a day. Thus, the required period takes twice as long to accumulate. Additionally, before applying for permanent residency, they must change the basis of their temporary permit to another one, such as work or business.

It is worth noting that marrying a Serbian citizen resets the previous residency period, and the count begins anew from the date of marriage. However, if the marriage is with a holder of Serbian permanent residency, the period is not reset.

Basic Document Package for All Applicants

Document preparation is the most crucial stage. A separate package is prepared for each family member, including children. When applying for a child, the presence of both parents is mandatory.

1. Photograph: color, 35x45 mm, on a white background, with an uncovered face.
2. Completed application form: in Serbian Latin script, in capital letters. The first and last name should be written as in the foreign passport. The application for a child must be signed by both parents.
3. Receipts for payment of state fees: for the application and for the approval of permanent residency.
4. Autobiography: written in free form, not required for children.
5. Copy of the foreign passport: all pages, including blank ones. If the passport has been changed, copies of both the old and new passports must be attached.
6. Original translation of the birth certificate: done by a certified court translator, not older than 6 months. Required for all applicants.
7. Health insurance: a copy of the 'zdravstvena knjižica' (state health insurance card) or a private insurance policy for 1 year.
8. Certificate of no criminal record in Serbia: obtained from the court (not the police), valid for 6 months. Required for persons over 14 years of age.

Proof of Financial Sufficiency

Each applicant, including children, must confirm the availability of sufficient funds for living. The minimum amount is equivalent to approximately 700 euros per person. A statement from a Serbian bank is accepted as proof.

• The bank must be Serbian.
• The statement must be in Serbian, with the bank's logo.
• The account must be personal; statements from business accounts are not accepted.
• The statement is valid for about 30 days at the time of application.

If both spouses have accounts, each provides their own statement. If only the main applicant has an account, they provide their statement and a notarized letter of guarantee for financial support for each family member. As an alternative to a bank statement, an employment contract with a Serbian company can be provided.

Additional Documents for Different Grounds

Depending on the basis for obtaining the temporary residence permit, additional documents are attached to the main package.

• Based on marriage: A copy of the translation of the marriage certificate, done by a certified court translator (not older than 6 months).
• Based on cohabitation (civil partnership): A copy of a certificate from the registry office of the country of origin stating that both partners are unmarried, and a notarized statement from two witnesses confirming the cohabitation ('IZJAVA DVA SVEDOKA').

• A notarized extract from the real estate cadastre.
• A copy of the purchase agreement or another document confirming ownership.
• A certificate from the local tax authority (LPA) confirming payment of property taxes.

Documents for Employees and Entrepreneurs

Applicants whose temporary residence permit is based on work or business must also provide specific documents confirming their activities.

• A copy of the current employment contract.
• Sometimes, a translation of the education diploma may be requested.
• For applications in Novi Sad, an extract from the Business Registers Agency (APR) about the employer company is required.

• An extract from the APR on business registration (not older than 30 days).
• A bank statement showing the turnover on the sole proprietor's account for the last 6 months.
• Sometimes, a statement from the tax authority on tax payments and a translation of the education diploma are required.

Application Procedure at the MUP

The application for permanent residency is submitted exclusively offline. In Belgrade and Novi Sad, it is necessary to book an appointment ('termin') in advance by sending an email to a special MUP email address. In other cities, you can apply on a first-come, first-served basis.

It's important to remember the dress code: you are not allowed to enter the MUP in shorts, skirts above the knee, sportswear, or flip-flops. This rule applies to everyone, including children.

1. Go to the ticket machine and select the section 'Podnošenje zahteva za odobrenje stalnog nastanjenja'.
2. Find your name and appointment time on the list and get a ticket.
3. Wait for your number to appear on the electronic display.
4. Go to the indicated office, where an inspector will check your documents.

If any documents are missing, you will be given 8 days to submit them. After a successful application, you will be issued a confirmation of document acceptance and an interview date will be scheduled.

Interview and Receiving the Permanent Residency Card

The interview is a mandatory part of the process. Only adults attend. The conversation is held in Serbian (you can bring a translator) and lasts 15-20 minutes. The inspector may ask questions about your work, education, marital status, and reasons for wanting to live in Serbia.

It is highly likely that after the interview, an inspector will visit you at your residential address for verification. After all checks and the approval of the application, you will be called and invited to receive your permanent residency card. Before receiving it, you must pay the fee for the production of the ID card itself. The application processing time in 2023-2024 ranges from 2 to 8 months.

Advantages and Limitations of Permanent Residency Status

Permanent residency status in Serbia opens up a number of new opportunities but also has its limitations. The main advantage is having rights nearly equal to those of citizens, especially in the field of employment.

A permanent residency holder can work for any company without the employer needing to obtain a work permit or conduct a labor market test. This status also grants the right to receive maternity capital upon the birth of a child and is a mandatory step for applying for citizenship. However, permanent residency does not replace a foreign passport and does not grant the right to visa-free entry to other countries if your citizenship does not allow for it.

What to Do After Obtaining Permanent Residency?

After receiving the permanent residency card, you will be assigned a new foreigner's identification number (EV.BROJ). This number must be updated in all institutions where the temporary residence permit number was previously used. This is a critically important step for legal functioning in the country.

• Sole proprietorship registration (if applicable).
• Vehicle registration with the traffic police.
• Tax authority (for vehicle and property taxes).
• Real estate cadastre.
• School or kindergarten, if you have children.
• Pension Fund (PIO) to maintain work history.
• Health Insurance Fund (to update the 'zdravstvena knjižica').
• Banks where you have accounts.
• Mobile operators.
• Public services portal (eUprava), where you need to create a new account.